Combination bath and dressing table for infants



Dec. 21, 1948.

E. sTlNE -ET AL 2,456,845

COMBINATION BATH AND DRESSING TABLE FOR INFANTS I Filed July 5, 1947 2 Sheets-Sheet l fvA/v 6i Sr/NE HAPQYA. 4 Has 176 7 BY M 427 Chua' M ATTORNEYS.

INVENTORS':

Dec. 21, 1948. E, sT ET AL 2,456,845

COMBINATION BATH AND DRESSING TABLE FOR INFANTS Filed July 5, 1947 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 156422) A. in FhYErrE BY M,

ATTORNEYS.

Patented Dec. 21, 1948 COMBINATION BATH AND DRESSING TABLE FOR INFANTS Ivan E. Stine and Harry A.

La Fayette,

Los Angeles, Calif. Application July 5, 1947, Serial No. 759,220

8 Claims.

The present invention relates to an accessory used in the care of infants and is specifically directed to a foldable table which can be erected over a bathtub and upon which an infant may be bathed and thereafter dressed.

In the rearing of infants and particularly small babies a great deal of attention must be directed to keeping the infants clean by bathing and frequent changing. For convenience and safety a variety of types of bath tables have been deviser to suit several needs. Among these has been the provision of a bath table raised to such an elevation that it is easy for the mother or nurse to handle the child without bending over. Another expedient has been to provide a shallow bath in which the infant can be bathed with perfect safety. Still another expedient has been the provision of a bath table or stand capable of being collapsed compactly when not in use so that it does not take up room which is needed for other household occupations. I

Among the most common accessories devoted to this purpose in the past has been a wooden stand provided with a collapsible canvas reservoir or container adapted to be filled with water for bathing the baby and which is provided with a drain hose in the bottom for letting the water out. These collapsible canvas accessories, while to some extent serving the required purpose, have failed in certain respects in that they cannot, under all circumstances, be easily filled and emptied, and also because they must necessarily occupy floor space which is at a premium in a small bathroom or kitchenette. When these devices have been sought to be placed in bathtubs for which they are not properly designed, they tend to become unsafe because of being easily tilted or collapsed upon the infant while the infant is in the collapsible canvas reservoir. Devices of this sort have been unsafe also because of the fact that the infant is quite apt to slide under water, and additional frames or slings have been needed in order to add to the safety of the collapsible reservoir. A further defect is the lack of an easy means of keeping the collapsible canvas portions clean and sanitary.

It is, therefore, among the objects of the in-- vention to provide a new and improved combination bath and dressing table for infants which is rigid in erected position, which is safe at all times, and in which the safety and rigidity of the device in erected position in increased whenever a load is imposed such as the load consisting of the weight of the infant or other articles which might be piled upon the table.

Another object of the invention is to provide a new and improved safe and sanitary combined bath and. dressing table for infants which retains its rigidit whether in erected or collapsed position and which can be easily folded into a compact arrangement when not in use.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a new and improved collapsible or folclable combination bath and dressing table for infants which can be attached to the rim of a conventional bathtub in such a manner that the table is maintained in a fixed position perfectly safe at all times and conveniently located inside of the rim of the tube so that during the bathing operation water from the bath will not readil splash upon the bathroom floor.

Still another object of the invention is to pro vide a new and improved combination bath and dressing table for infants wherein the reservoir for the bath water remains rigid at all times but which is provided with a supporting arrangement of legs and braces so constructed that the and braces, though light in weight, form a rigid support for positioning the device over a bat tub but which can be easily collapsed whenever storage of the device is desired.

Also included among the objects of the invention is a bath and dressing accessory for infant care provided with foldable or collapsible leg supports and also incorporating other fixtures of nature of soap and towel racks, likewise collapsible, and adapted to be retained in collapsed position together with the leg supports when it is desired to store the device.

With these and other objects in View, the invention consists in the construction, arrangement and combination of the various parts of the dc vice whereby the objects contemplated are attained, as hereinafter more fully set forth, pointed out in the claims and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of the device showing the relative location of the different parts as they might appear prior to assembly into the completed device.

Figure 2 is a fragmentary longitudinal sectional view of one end of the device taken on the 2-2 of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a fragmentary longitudinal tional view of the device taken on the line of Figure 1.

Figure 4 is a side elevational view.

Figure 5 is a left end view showing the device in erected position and located over a convensec- ' tional bathtub.

Figure 6 is a fragmentary cross-sectional View showing one side of the device and the supporting structure therefor.

Figure 7 is an end elevational view showing the device in folded or collapsed position.

In an embodiment chosen to illustrate the in vention there is provide a rigid tray or reservoir l0, herein shown as having a subtantially rectangular outline, and provided with side walls l i and i2 and end walls l3 and M. The tray has a torn I curved downwardly from the lower edges of the side walls so that the lowest part of the bottom lies along the longitudinal mid-line wherein there are provided a series of large drain openings 56.

So that a suitable lightness in weight may be preserved, the tray may be constructed of such material as sheet aluminum or stainless steel of a relatively thin gauge reinforced and strengthened by a bead ll around the tops of the side walls which may consist of the material of the side walls turned over a rib or bar [8.

For supporting the tray above rims 2% of a conventional bathtub there is provided a supporting means or leg construction consisting of leg members located one on each side and rotatably secured to a portion of the structure which may be said to comprise the tray.

The exploded view of Figure 1 is used primarily for the purpose of illustrating the relative location of the different elements comprising the combined parts of the table and is not intended to show any particular step in the assembly or the device nor intended to suggest which parts may be asembled in advance of other parts.

For strengthening the bottom of the tray and for providing abutting devices for the leg members there is provided a series of transverse ribs 2i downwardly curved in accordance with the curve of the botom oi the tray. In the selected embodiment three such transverse ribs are shown located one adjacent the bottom edge of each end wall and one at approximately the mid-point, as best shown in Figure l. These ribs may be soldered or welded to the bottom of the tray. Uprights 2| may be provided at the corners.

Longitudinal ribs 2?. may be provided one at the bottom edge of each side wall, and these ribs likewise may be soldered or welded to either the ends of the transverse ribs or to the corners of the tray.

The leg structure itself consists of a leg member on each of the long sides of the tray. Each leg member is identical, and a description of one will sufiice for both.

Each leg member, as shown in the present embodiment, consists oi-a longitudinal rod at each end of which is a cross-piece 25 anchored to the rod by welding or some other suitable means. The end of each cross-piece remote from the rod is rotatably attached to a protruding portion 2'! of the longitudinal rib by provision, for example, of an eyelet 28 formed from the cross-piece and adapted to encircle the longitudinal rib. The primary of this construction is to permit the rod 25 to rotate about the longitudinal rib 22. it should be noted in this connection that the length of the cross-pieces 25 is approximately the same as or slightly in excess of the height or the side walls H or E2 as the case may be.

Legs 38, ill and 32 are shown each secured at its upper end to the rod 25. In this embodiment the end legs 36 and 32 are located inwardly some bot v distance from the ends of the rod 25, and the leg 3i is located mid-way between the legs 351 and 32. It should also be noted that each leg stands outwardly from the rod 25 at an obtuse angle relative to the direction of the cross-piece 26 which may be approximately at an angle oi 90.

At the bottom of each leg is a foot, here illustrated as comprising a substantially straight por-- tion 33, terminating in a reversely directed curved portion 34 having a rubber or other resilient cover 35 along the portion which is adapted to engage the rim 2i) of the bathtub.

To add to the rigidity of construction of the leg member, in each case braces 36 are provided extending from one to another of the legs at their lower ends. Abrace is likewise provided at the upper ends of the legs, here shown as consisting of a stiffening member of shaft 3?, which is at tached to each leg by some method such as welding and which extends beyond the end legs where bent end 33 are directed toward and engage with the rod 25.

It may be noted that because of the braced construction just described the leg members may be relatively light in weight and of uniform diameter consisting of heavy wire or light rods. must, of course, be sufficient rigidity and tensile strength in the rods so that when bent in the form shown and welded or otherwise attached one with respect to the other they will retain their positions. Brackets it may be provided, if desired, on the end legs as a means for having thereon certain appurtenances such as a shower hose.

in order to further complete the table or device, which may also be designated as a bathing or dressing accessory, certain fixtures may be attached to the tray.

At one end there is shown a fixture constituting a combined towel rack and soap container which consists of rack bars and All} at thesides and a central rack bar t1. ihe rack bars 45 and 46 may be bent in the manner shown in Figure 1 and so arranged that one end A8 of each is bent around the bead ll and extends through a hole 49 so that the towel rack and soap container may be conveniently rotated about the upper edge of the end wall is to a position inside orthe tray when collapsed or to an extended position, such as that shown in Figure 2.

In extended position the central rack bar 41, which is provided with a depressed portion 50 and a downwardly bent portion 51, serves to press against the outer face or the end wall It in order to maintain the towel rack and soap container in position for use.

The soap container, if preferred, may consist of a stamped sheet metal piece 52 which fits around and is retained by the rack bars. The outer. ends of the rack bars may be bent over as -at;53 in order to provide a smooth rounded end in the interest of safety.

At the opposite end of the tray there may be provided a receptacle 55 forsuchitems as powder, oil, cotton and other appurtenances. The receptacle is here shown as consisting of a container 56 having a strengthening bead 51 and one elongated side 58, the upper end of which is turned over into the form of a hook '59 adapted to be hung over the bead H at the top edge of the end wall it. This receptacle may be readily removed and placed inside of the tray when be collapsed.

There the table is to In use the table may be initially stored in a collapsed position such as that illustrated in Figure 7. In collapsed position the legs 30, 3| and 32 will overlie the open top of the tray, and the feet will extend downwardly into the tray so that no portion thereof protrudes. The cross-pieces 26 will lie adjacent the corners in a position relatively snug against the ends of the side walls. In this position, also, the combined towel rack and soap container will be folded into the tray underneath the legs.

To place the device in use, the table may be held above a conventional bathtub and the leg members on one side and then the other folded outwardly into the positions best illustrated in Figure 5 where they may engage the rims of the tub. The legs will be rotated so that the rods 25 will bear against the ribs 2| and thereby be retained adjacent the bottom of the tray and pressing thereagainst. Thus opened and erected the bent portions 3'3 will engage the rim of the tub on both sides and tend to anchor the leg members in erected position.

When erected any weight added to the tray will tend to increase the rigidity and stiffening effect of the leg members as they support the tray. Thereafter, the combination towel rack and soap container may be folded out as shown in Figure 2 and the container 55 hooked on the opposite end as illustrated in Figure 3.

In erected position, as shown in Figures 4.- and 5, the device is ready for use either as a bath, a dressing table or both. The device may be aptly referred to as a bathing tray inasmuch as it is intended that the tray should not be filled with water but be used primarily as a supporting surface for the infant while the infant is sponge bathed or showered. Most recently approved methods of bathing infants contemplate sponging or showering the infant so that the cleansing water is always clean. as contrasted with a bath of water which the infant may dirty.

In this device water used for sponging or showring readily runs off through the openings l6 into the bathtub below. For the infants comfort a towel may be folded and laid on the bottom of the tray near one end or the other.

With the towel rack and soap container extended in the manner shown in Figure 2 the towels, receiving blankets, wash cloths and the like may be conveniently hung in a position handy to the person bathing the infant. Soap naturally may be kept in the soap container near the towels, and at the other end the remaining bathing accessories, such as powder, oil and the like, are kept conveniently in the container provided therefor in which all of them may be carried as a unit and placed within the tray whenever the tray is to be folded and stored.

By the particular shape of the legs 30, 3| and 32, the upright portions of the legs are maintained in an out-of-the-way position when the device is in use. At the same time, the legs provide a very marked stiffening effect by reason of their angular construction so that the members, of which the legs are a part, press firmly and steadily against the bottom of the tray while the feet are hooked around the inside of the rim of a bathtub. By slanting the legs 3?] and 32 outwardly in an oblique direction the leg members are provided with a rigid construction retaining the tray against endwise as well as lateral movement.

Also by reason of the construction illustrated and described, the leg members may be positioned and adjusted to fit virtually any size or type of tub. By adhering to the construction shown, the tray may be kept light in weight, although rigid in construction, thereby providing the necessary safety features outlined in the objects, and the leg structure in general, while being made readily collapsible, is also maintained light in weight without in any way sacrificing the necessary rigidity and reinforcing characteristics necessary to preserve perfect safety in use of the device.

Although the invention has been herein shown and described in what is conceived to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is recognized that departures may be made therefrom within the scope of the invention, which is not to be limited to the details disclosed herein but is to be accorded the full scope of the claims so as to embrace any and all equivalent structures.

The invention having been herein described, what we claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. A combination bath and dressing table for infants comprising a rigid tray having upstanding walls and a bottom, and a supporting means adapted to hold the tray comprising a leg member on each side rotatably secured to the tray at locations remote from the center of the bottom and adjacent the lower edges of the respective side wall, said leg members having angularly disposed portions greater in length than the height of the side walls and in erected relation extending under and in engagement with the bottom, and feet on the leg members adapted to support the table when in erected position, said table having a folded position wherein the leg members are adapted to fold over the side walls and the top of the tray.

2. A combination bath and dressing table for infants comprising a rigid tray having upstanding Walls and a downwardly curved bottom, said bottom having a series of openings therein at the lowest part of the curve, and a supporting means adapted to hold the tray above a conventional bathtub comprising parallel longitudinal ribs remote from the center line of the bottom and adjacent the respective side wall, a leg member on each side of the tray rotatably secured to the ribs, said leg members having angularly disposed portions greater in length than the height of the side walls and in erected relation extending under and in engagement with the bottom, and feet on the leg members adapted to engage the rim of the bathtub in erected position, said table having a folded position wherein the leg members are adapted to fold over the side walls and the top of the tray.

3. A combination bath and dressing table for infants comprising a rigid tray having side and end walls and a downwardly curved bottom, said bottom having a series of openings therein at the lowest part of the curve, and a supporting means to hold the tray above a conventional bathtub comprising longitudinal ribs at the bottom edge of each side wall extending beyond the end walls, a leg member on each side rotatably secured to the ribs, said leg members having bent portions greater in length than the height of the side walls and in erected relation extending under and in engagement with the bottom, hooked feet on the leg members adapted to engage the inner side of the rim of the bathtub in erected position, folded position wherein the leg members are adapted to fold over the side walls and the top of the tray.

4. A combination bath and dressing table for infants comprising a rigid metallic tray having bottom, said bottom 7 and a downwardly curved having a series of openings therein at the lowest part of the curve, and a supporting means adapted to hold the tray above a conventional bathtub comprising longitudinal ribs at the bottom edge of each side wall extending beyond the end. walls, a leg member on each side rotatably secured to the ribs, said leg mem bers having'bent portions greater in length than the height of the side walls and in erected relation extending under and in engagement with the bottom, hooked feet on the leg members adapted to engage the inner side of the rim of the bathtub in erected position, acombined soap and towel rack having one end rotatably secured to the rim of an end wall and a foot member bearing laterally against the adjacent end wall, said table having a folded position wherein the rack is adapted to fold into the tray and the leg members are adapted to fold over the side walls and to overlie the tray and the rack when folded therein.

5-. A combination bath and dressing table for infants comprising a substantially rigid tray having side walls and a bottom, spaced longitudinal parallel ribs affixed to respectively adjacent lower side edges of the tray, and a pair of foldable leg members located one on each side of the tray, each said leg member comprising a longitudinal element adapted to bear upwardly against the bottom in erected position, cross-pieces at the ends of said element rotatably engaging said respective longitudinal parallel ribs and having a length greater than the height of the side walls, legs attached to and extending from said longitudinal element at an angle relative to the crosspieces.

6. A- combination bath and dressing table for infants comprising substantially rigid tray having side walls and a bottom, transverse ribs extending under and fixed to the bottom, longitudinal ribs affixed to the ends of the transverse ribs near the side edge of the bottom, and a pair of foldable leg members located one on each side of the tray, each said leg member comprising a longitudinal element adapted to bear upwardly against said ribs in erected position, cross-pieces side and end walls at the ends of said element rotatably engaging said longitudinal ribs and having a length greater than the height of the side walls, legs attached to and extending from said longitudinal element at. an obtuse angle relative to the cross-pieces, and-feet on the legs adaptedto engage the rim of aconventional bathtub.

7. A combination bath: infants comprising a rigid tray having and a downwardly curvedbottom, trans-verse end: and intermediate ribs extending under and fixed to the bottom; longitudinal ribs aiiixed to the ends of the transverse ribs near the side edge ofthe bottom, and a pair of foldable leg members located: one on each side of the tray, said leg members beingv of rod material and comprising each a longitudinal rod adapted to bear upwardly against said ribs in erected position, cross-pieces at the ends of the rod rotatably encircling said respective longitudinal rib and having a length greater than the height of the side walls, end and intermediate from said longitudinal rod at an obtuse angle relative to the cross-pieces, curved feet on the legs each comprising a straight portion extending and dressing table: for

laterally from each leg and a curved portionex tending from the straight portion adapted to engage the inside of the rim of a tub.

8. A combination bath and dressing table for.

infants comprising a rigid tray having side walls and a downwardly curved bottom, transverse end alldli'ltlfll'lfidid-tQ ribs extending under and fixed to the bottom, longitudinal ribs aifixed' to the ends of the transverse ribs near the side edge of the bottom having exposed portions, and a pair of ioldable leg members located one on each 7 side of the tray, said leg members being of rod material of uniform diameter and comprising eacha longitudinal rod adapted to bear upwardlyagainst said ribs in erected position, cross-pieces at the ends of, the rod rotatably encircling said expesedportions of the respectivelongitudinal rib and having a length greater than the height of the side walls, end and intermediate legs attached to and extending from said longitudinal rod at an obtuse angle relative to the cross-pieces, curved feet on the legs each comprising a straight portion extending laterally from each leg and a curved portion extending from the straight portion adapted to engage the inside of the rim of a tub, and a stiffening member comprising a shaft spanning the tops of the legs spaced from said longitudinal rod and bent ends on said shaft secured to said longitudinal rod.

IVAN E. STINE.

HARRY A. LA FAYETTE.

No references cited.

side walls legs attached to and extending 

